I used to carry around a 50/1.8 MIJ paired with a 21/3.5 but wanted to switch things up lately. Forgive me for primarily shooting on digital; I honestly don’t have a reason to take out my film cameras anymore. Everywhere I go to, I’ve been hundreds of times. With film, I’ve become pretty hesitant, asking: "Do I really need to take this shot? Nah, the lighting was much better on April 2nd 2021; the sky more dramatic, the circumstances more perfect ". These repetitive visits + overly critical perfectionist mindset left me burn out.  

So my current photography mainly consists of snapshots, sort of like an exercise in mindfulness (overused buzzword, I know), primarily to just document trips and casually share them so that at least my close ones and folks on Komoot enjoy them. 

Since I‘m currently testing whether a 35mm could be my only lens (admittedly before getting a newer Sony specific one), I dusted off the Zuiko. The 35/2 in particular seems a bit controversial with strong opinions, especially when compared to the 28/2. When starting out, I always wanted to have that lens, so I was hyped when I got it bundled with an OM-2 that I later sold on, basically giving me a free lens. When I finally got it, even had it overhauled by the OM Labor with a completely new front element (therefore the strong contrast between battered housing and shiny front section lol), I honestly quickly lost interest. It‘s not bad, downright decent at f4 and beyond, but not outstanding either.  

However, when adapted to a digital sensor, it seems to be a better performer since the 28/2 suffers quite a bit like many other lenses with floating elements. 

The 85/2 is an early silver nose version. I particularly chose that era for a softer look - and because I already have the 90/2 macro to fulfil the role of a "perfect lens". Wide open, it‘s provides all the soft glow you‘d want for portrait but down to f4, it‘s perfect for landscapes and anything else. After having owned a 100/2.8 and several 135/2.8 and 3.5, I can say: 85mm is just the right tele for me. 

Together, it‘s become a neat universal kit that I enjoy carrying around. 

my current go-to combo for any outdoor adventure: Zuiko 35/2 & 85/2